Frequently Asked Questions about Glenmore Sailing School

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Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. We also have a detailed guide on sailing on the Glenmore Reservoir. It includes resources such as a head-to-toe apparel guide, an in-depth explanation of what you can expect to see and do on the reservoir, a list of places to buy sailing gear, and more.

Facility Information

Parking is available in the south lot by Variety Park. Upon entering South Glenmore Park, turn left at the T-intersection. Please note this is the only public parking. Please do not park along the road within the park, in a boat stall, or in the cul-de-sac. Observe signs.​

Sailboats are available to rent during the spring and summer. To rent a boat, please talk to Boat Patrol in the office by the boat ramp. For more information about rentals, please go to the rentals page.

Yes, Kayaks and canoes are available for rent during spring, summer and fall. To rent a canoe or kayak please speak to the Boat patrol or rental staff in the Rental office by the South Boat Ramp. For more information about rentals, please go to the rentals page.

Yes. Sailing is not the kind of activity that you can pick up on your own without any instruction, and for your safety, you need some previous sailing experience and knowledge if you would like to rent a boat.

Boat stall rentals are available at the Glenmore Reservoir from May 1 until October 31. For information on pricing, and to book a boat stall in either the South Glenmore boatyard or at Heritage Docks, please visit the Booking a Boat Stall page.

General Sailing Information

Programs are designed with safety in mind at all times. You will always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) when on or near the water. All staff at the Glenmore Sailing School are trained in First Aid and CPR. They are all qualified sailing coaches under Sail Canada requirements. Additionally, at all times during classes, Boat Patrol is on duty. Glenmore Boat Patrol monitors reservoir activity and is always ready to help.

Generally, Glenmore Reservoir is quite shallow, and the depth varies depending on the needs of the Waterworks department. The water level is normally lowered in the spring (June) and raised later. In sailing classes the instructor will ensure that you are aware of any geographic features that may be relevant.

Sailing Lessons Information

All CANSail lessons are run in dinghies, small one-person to three-person boats which are launched daily from the boatyard. Beginner’s lessons generally use our 420s or CJs, which are most commonly sailed with two people.

Most evening and weekend courses are for adults, aged 17 and up. Some are also open to youth, age 14 and up. Skill development courses differ in their age requirements, depending on the boat. Optimist sailors must be between 9 and 14, and Laser sailors must be 14 and up.

Programs are taught to the Sail Canada CANSail standards. You will learn how to start and stop a boat, sail to a point, sail by the sails, tack, gybe, head up, bear away, and adjust your speed and balance.

Children under the age of 11, and children under 100 pounds, sail Optimists in summer camp. After the Opti program, the boat class is determined by the CANSail level. CANSail 1 and 2 use the 420s and the CJs. CANSail 3 and 4 sail either Laser or race-rigged 420.

Racing

At the moment, the race teams do not travel. They train and race on Glenmore Reservoir. Along with the Glenmore Sailing Club, there is a strong racing community on the reservoir, including the Wednesday Night series, and multiple regattas over the season.

Registration Information

The entrance point for sailors with previous experience will depend on individual skill level. If it has been a very long time since you sailed, or if you only received a small amount of sailing instruction, you may wish to start at the beginning, in our entry point for adult sailors. If you have sailed more recently, or are confident in your sailing ability, you may wish to register in CANSail 1&2. It may be possible to change levels after the first session, if you are found to be at a higher or lower skill level than what is offered by the class. This is dependent on instructor availability.

Just because your child has taken a CANSail camp does not mean they are necessarily ready for the next CANSail level. Often it takes multiple sessions at the same level to advance. Please check your child’s previous CANSail checklist before registering them for a more advanced camp. The checklist should include a recommendation from their previous instructors, detailing which level will be best suited for your child’s skill level and sailing development.